Gunshots caused Bell Aliant fibre break in Labrador

A fibre break that temporarily disrupted internet and cellphone service in Labrador was the result of vandalism, and the culprit used a firearm, Bell Aliant said.

Service for residents in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area and along Labrador's northern coast was suddenly disrupted Tuesday.

Mark Duggan, a corporate affairs official with Bell Aliant, said when crews arrived at the scene of the break, around 80 kilometres east of Churchill Falls, the damage could not be immediately spotted.

"We sent the crews out again yesterday to actually take down the section of fibre and start replacing it," Duggan told CBC News.

"Once we got up close, it was clear that it had been shot — actually shot multiple times, really, in about a 30-metre span."

Service was restored on Wednesday night, although crews are still repairing the fibre optic line.